Saturday, 15 October 2016

How ex-NIMASA boss bought Banana Island house, armoured car

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday heard how a former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, acquired a bulletproof car for his personal use.

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Orji Chukwuma, made this known during his testimony on the matter.

He was arraigned alongside, Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Ltd. and Al-Kenzo Logistics Ltd. before Justice Ibrahim Buba on Dec. 4, 2015, and they all pleaded not guilty.

At the resumed hearing, Chukwuma tendered documents how he acquired the car and also paid for his rented apartment situated in Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos.

Led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness said “the first accused (Akpobolokemi) brought a document to us in relation to how he paid for his rented apartment on Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos.

Chukwuma also attached a document from an estate surveyor on payments of his house rent.

He further told the court that Akpobolokemi also submitted to the commission a receipt for the purchase of a bulletproofed car.

Consequently, EFCC lawyer tendered the documents and urged the court to mark them as exhibits.

Ajuwa, Counsel to Akpobolokemi, objected to the admissibility of the documents on the grounds that he was not served with the documents.

Ajuwa argued that the documents sought to be tendered ought to have been front-loaded in line with section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim Buba, held that “it is sacrosanct that every accused person shall be given opportunity to defend himself and must be served with necessary documents including documents he (accused) submitted to the EFCC”.

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Faith Adama is a born writer and has a gem for journalism. She aims to bring the latest information of all happenings around the country and the globe. Breaking News, Latest Music and music videos, sports news and entertainment news.